Eurasian Hoopoe

A nondescript sparrow-sized songbird with a slender, downcurved bill. Entirely olive-green above and uniform pale gray below, but note head pattern, which includes a prominent whitish smudge on the cheeks and dull bare skin below the eye. Juvenile has a pink facial patch. Singles, pairs, or groups inhabit scrubland, wooded areas, and coconut plantations in lowlands. Confined to islets in the Moluccas and to West Papua, where it is readily identified by its head pattern. Harsh, squeaky vocalizations include “tchew” and “grrt” notes and “chi-witchoo” or “witch-oo” phrases.

Well-camouflaged chickenlike bird. Intricately patterned plumage varies from cold gray to rich reddish-brown. Look for relatively long, squared tail with dark band near the tip, bold barring on the sides, and small pointed crest. Typically shy and difficult to see well. Often flushed from the forest floor, exploding into the air with a startling burst of wingbeats and then gliding down towards the next hiding place. Sometimes ventures onto roadsides to pick up grit. In spring, males beat their wings to produce a distinctive low-pitched drumming sound. Widespread and locally fairly common across northern North America, from the Appalachians to Alaska. Especially fond of forested areas with dense understory and secondary growth.

Medium-sized nondescript flycatcher. Has a dull brown back, whitish underparts, and three distinct pale wingbars. The white crown patch is often concealed. Inhabits forest along wide lowland rivers, including older river islands. Calls include a low double note: “chick-ert.”